Mary Stuart and Scotland

Mary Stuart and Scotland

Susan Spano

When Queen Mary returned to Scotland in 1561, she settled into apartments in the northwestern tower at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, the backdrop for many of the most dramatic events in her life. Shortly after she arrived, she sparred over theology with John Knox in her audience chamber. The Protestant Moses of 16th century Scotland and founder of the Presbyterian faith, he was a virulent misogynist who likened Mary to Nero. But after their meeting, he gave the young queen a lefthanded compliment: "If there be not in her a proud mind, a crafty wit and an indurate heart against God and His truth, my judgment faileth me." -- Susan Spano Read more: There's something about Mary, Queen of Scots Upper photo: From Calton Hill, the capital city of Edinburgh spreads out below. Lower photo credit: Associated Press

When Queen Mary returned to Scotland in 1561, she settled into apartments in the northwestern tower at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, the backdrop for many of the most dramatic events in her life. Shortly after she arrived, she sparred over theology with John Knox in her audience chamber. The Protestant Moses of 16th century Scotland and founder of the Presbyterian faith, he was a virulent misogynist who likened Mary to Nero. But after their meeting, he gave the young queen a lefthanded compliment: "If there be not in her a proud mind, a crafty wit and an indurate heart against God and His truth, my judgment faileth me." -- Susan Spano Read more: There's something about Mary, Queen of Scots Upper photo: From Calton Hill, the capital city of Edinburgh spreads out below. Lower photo credit: Associated Press (Susan Spano)

When Queen Mary returned to Scotland in 1561, she settled into apartments in the northwestern tower at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, the backdrop for many of the most dramatic events in her life. Shortly after she arrived, she sparred over theology with John Knox in her audience chamber. The Protestant Moses of 16th century Scotland and founder of the Presbyterian faith, he was a virulent misogynist who likened Mary to Nero. But after their meeting, he gave the young queen a lefthanded compliment: "If there be not in her a proud mind, a crafty wit and an indurate heart against God and His truth, my judgment faileth me." -- Susan Spano Read more: There's something about Mary, Queen of Scots Upper photo: From Calton Hill, the capital city of Edinburgh spreads out below. Lower photo credit: Associated Press